Cleaner cartridge, cleaning agent dosing system and household dishwasher

ABSTRACT

A cleaner cartridge for a household dishwasher includes active substances for cleaning items to be washed and/or the household dishwasher. A first chamber of the cleaner cartridge accommodates one of the active substances at an amount sufficient for a number of wash cycles, and a second chamber of the cleaner cartridge accommodates one of the active substances at an amount sufficient for only one wash cycle.

The present invention relates to a cleaner cartridge, a detergent dosing system and to a household dishwasher.

A household dishwasher can have a dispenser for accommodating a detergent for cleaning items to be washed. Typically the detergent accommodated in the dispenser is dispensed completely into a washing chamber of a household dishwasher during a wash cycle of the same and the washing liquor circulated therein is added. The dispenser is dimensioned size wise such that it is possible to pour in precisely the amount of detergent required for a wash cycle.

DE 10 2006 043 915 A1 describes a detergent dosing system for a water-conducting household appliance with a cleaner cartridge, in which detergent can be stored for a number of wash cycles.

Against this background an object of the present invention consists in making available an improved cleaner cartridge.

Accordingly a cleaner cartridge is proposed for a household dishwasher. The cleaner cartridge comprises active substances for cleaning items to be washed and/or the household dishwasher, at least a first chamber, wherein an amount of one of the active substances sufficient for a number of wash cycles is accommodated in the at least one first chamber and at least one second chamber, wherein an amount of one of the active substances sufficient for only one wash cycle is accommodated in the second chamber.

The cleaner cartridge can have a number of first chambers and/or a number of second chambers. The active substance accommodated in the at least one first chamber can be configured to clean the items to be washed and/or the household dishwasher. The active substance accommodated in the at least one second chamber is in particular a machine cleaner. Alternatively the active substance accommodated in the at least one second chamber can also be configured to clean the items to be washed. A machine cleaner is configured to remove deposits, in particular residues containing grease and/or limescale deposits, both in the dishwasher cavity of the household dishwasher and also in all areas of the household dishwasher which convey washing liquor. Furthermore, discoloration of stainless steel surfaces as well as limescale deposits which can be caused by poor water softening can be removed with the aid of the machine cleaner.

As a result of the cleaner cartridge having the at least one second chamber which is completely emptied during a wash cycle, it is possible to dispense with an additional dispensing of machine cleaner for instance. This increases the ease of operation for an operator. Alternatively to the machine cleaner, any other active substances can be accommodated in the at least one second chamber. The active substance accommodated in the at least one second chamber is in particular a mixture of a number of chemical substances. The active substances for cleaning the items to be washed and/or the dishwasher can be in a powder, granulate, tablet, gaseous, liquid and/or paste-like form. The at least one second chamber is rinsed entirely during the wash cycle. The active substance accommodated in the at least one second chamber can be dispensed from the at least one second chamber at the start of the wash cycle, at the end of the wash cycle, continuously during the entire wash time of the wash cycle or at any time in the wash cycle. In contrast to this the at least one first chamber is not entirely emptied during a wash cycle. The amount of active substance accommodated in the at least one first chamber is sufficient for five or ten wash cycles for instance. All active substances can be suited both to cleaning the items to be washed and also to cleaning the dishwasher.

According to one embodiment, the active substance accommodated in the at least one second chamber can be released from the second chamber during a first wash cycle with the cleaner cartridge.

The first wash cycle is understood to mean the first wash cycle of a cleaner cartridge newly introduced into the household dishwasher.

For instance, when the cleaner cartridge is inserted into a receptacle provided in or on the household dishwasher, a membrane provided on the at least one second chamber can be pierced. In this way the at least one second chamber is completely emptied during the first wash cycle. The active substance accommodated in the at least one second chamber can be released in a time-independent manner. In other words, the at least one second chamber can be emptied at the start or at the end of the wash cycle. Furthermore, the at least one second chamber can be emptied continuously during the wash cycle or at a specific time in the wash cycle.

According to a further embodiment, the accommodated in the at least one second chamber can be released from the second chamber during a last wash cycle with the cleaner cartridge.

The last wash cycle is understood to mean the wash cycle during which the at least one first chamber is completely emptied. For instance, the household dishwasher may have a detergent dosing system which is configured to completely empty the second chamber during the last wash cycle of the cleaner cartridge. The active substance accommodated in the at least one second chamber can be released, as described before, in a time-independent manner.

According to a further embodiment, at least two first chambers are provided, wherein an active substance is accommodated in each of the two first chambers in each case.

For instance, three, four, five or six first chambers can also be provided. The number of first chambers is freely selectable. Furthermore, the number of second chambers is also freely selectable. For instance, two, three, four, five or six second chambers can be provided. The same amount of active substance or a different amount of active substance can be provided in the two first chambers in each case. The active substances are preferably chemically pure substances. For instance, the cleaning action of the active substances for cleaning the items to be washed and/or the household dishwasher can be achieved by mixing together different active substances from the two first chambers. For instance, the active substances can be configured to influence the alkalinity of the washing liquor. Furthermore, the active substances may have enzymes, complexing agents, glass-protecting components, surfactants or suchlike. Each of the first and second chambers may have a ventilation opening and an opening section. When the cleaner cartridge is inserted or slid into the receptacle provided in or on the household dishwasher, the opening section can be pierced with the aid of a pin.

According to a further embodiment, the active substances accommodated in the two first chambers differ chemically.

The desired cleaning effect can be achieved by a corresponding dosing and mixing together of the chemically different active substances.

According to a further embodiment the two first chambers have different volumes.

Alternatively the two first chambers can have the same volumes. Different or identical amounts of active substances can be accommodated in the two first chambers. The two first chambers can be arranged side by side, one on top of the other or one behind the other. The at least two first chambers and the second chamber are preferably accommodated in a housing of the cleaner cartridge. Furthermore, different or identical amounts of active substances can be accommodated in a number of second chambers. The housing is preferably manufactured from a plastic material. For instance, the housing can be a plastic injection molded component.

Furthermore, a detergent dosing system is proposed for a household dishwasher. The detergent dosing system comprises a cleaner cartridge of this type and a receptacle in which the cleaner cartridge can be accommodated.

The receptacle can be provided on a side wall or on a door of a dishwasher cavity of the household dishwasher. For instance, the cleaner cartridge can be slid into the receptacle in the manner of a drawer. The cleaner cartridge can preferably be slid into the receptacle such that a base of the same lies underneath in the direction of gravitational force. The receptacle may have a number of pins, which are configured to pierce opening sections of the at least one first chamber and the at least one second chamber in order to release the active substances from the cleaner cartridge. The detergent dosing system may have one or a number of pumps and/or one or a number of valves. In particular the detergent dosing system is configured to dose the active substances provided in the at least one first chamber or the number of first chambers into the dishwasher cavity as and when required during a wash cycle of the household dishwasher.

Furthermore, a household dishwasher with a cleaner cartridge and/or a detergent dosing system of this type is also proposed.

According to one embodiment the household dishwasher comprises an Options button for releasing the active substance accommodated in the at least one second chamber.

The Options button can be actively connected to a pump and/or a valve. By actuating the Options button, the valve opens or the pump is started in order to dispense the active substance accommodated in the at least one second chamber completely into the dishwasher cavity.

According to a further embodiment the household dishwasher has a sensor device, wherein the active substance accommodated in the at least one second chamber can be released automatically as a function of a sensor signal of the sensor device.

In this way the active substance accommodated in the at least one second chamber can be released as a function of the deposits present in the household dishwasher for instance. This once again increases the ease of operation for a user.

Further possible implementations of the cleaner cartridge, of the detergent dosing system and/or of the household dishwasher also comprise combinations—not explicitly cited—of features or embodiments described above or below in respect of the exemplary embodiments. In such cases the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or amendments to the respective basic form of the cleaner cartridge, of the detergent dosing system and/or of the household dishwasher.

Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the cleaner cartridge, of the detergent dosing system and/or of the household dishwasher form the subject matter of the subclaims and the exemplary embodiments of the cleaner cartridge, of the detergent dosing system and/or of the household dishwasher described below. The cleaner cartridge, the detergent dosing system and/or the household dishwasher are further explained in greater detail on the basis of the preferred embodiments with reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a household dishwasher; and

FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a cleaner cartridge for the household dishwasher according to FIG. 1 or 2.

Elements which are the same or function the same have been provided with the same reference characters in the figures, unless specified otherwise.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a household dishwasher 1. The household dishwasher 1 has a housing 2, in which a dishwasher cavity 3 is arranged. The dishwasher cavity 3 can be impermeably sealed by a door 4. The dishwasher cavity 3 and the door 4 thus form a washing chamber 5 of the household dishwasher 1. The door 4 is shown in its open position in FIG. 1. The door 4 can be closed or opened by pivoting about a pivot axis 6 provided at a lower end of the door 4.

The dishwasher cavity 3 has a base 7, a ceiling 8 arranged opposite to the base 7, a rear wall 9 positioned facing this when the door 4 is in the closed position and two side walls 10, 11 arranged facing one another. A number of receptacles for items to be washed 12, 13 can be arranged in the dishwasher cavity 3 in order to accommodate items to be washed. The receptacles 12, 13 for items to be washed can be a lower rack, an upper rack or a cutlery drawer of the household dishwasher 1, for instance. The receptacles for items to be washed 12, 13 are movably supported in the dishwasher cavity 3.

A detergent dosing system 14 can be provided on the side wall 10. Alternatively, the detergent dosing system 14 can be provided on the side wall 11. The detergent dosing system 14 has a cleaner cartridge 15 and a receptacle 16 for accommodating the cleaner cartridge 15. The receptacle 16 is embodied as a flap which can fold out from the side wall 10 and back into the same for instance. The cleaner cartridge 15 is preferably plate-shaped or cuboid. The cleaner cartridge 15 can be introduced into the receptacle 16 in the manner of a drawer.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a household dishwasher 1. The household dishwasher 1 according to FIG. 2 differs from the household dishwasher 1 according to FIG. 1 only in that the detergent dosing system 14 is not provided on one of the side walls 10, 11 but instead on the door 4. In particular, the detergent dosing system 14 is provided on an upper edge or front edge 17 of the door 4.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a cleaner cartridge 15 for the detergent dosing system 14 in a schematic sectional view. The cleaner cartridge 15 is manufactured from a plastic material for instance. In particular, the cleaner cartridge 15 can be a plastic injection molded component. The cleaner cartridge 15 has at least one first chamber 18 to 23. The number of first chambers 18 to 23 is freely selectable. For instance, six first chambers 18 to 23 can be provided, as shown in FIG. 3. An active substance 24 to 29 is accommodated in each first chamber 18 to 23 in each case.

The active substances 24 to 29 may have the same or different chemical compositions. The active substances 24 to 29 can have the alkalinity or basicity of the substances influencing the washing liquor, enzymes such as protease or amylase, complexing agents, glass-protecting components, surfactants or such like. In particular, the active substances 24 to 29 are preferably not mixtures but instead chemically pure substances. The cleaning effect is produced here by mixing together a number of active substances 24 to 29. The amount or volume of the active substances 24 to 29 accommodated in the first chambers 18 to 23 is measured in each case such that this is sufficient for a number of wash cycles of the household dishwasher 1. The active substances are suited to cleaning items to be washed and/or the household dishwasher 1.

Furthermore, the cleaner cartridge 15 has at least one second chamber 30. A number of second chambers 30 is preferably provided. The number of second chambers 30 is freely selectable. For instance, a second chamber 30 can be provided, as shown in FIG. 3. An active substance 31 for cleaning the household dishwasher 1 and/or the items to be washed is accommodated in the second chamber 30. The amount of active substance 31 accommodated in the second chamber 30 is only sufficient for one wash cycle of the household dishwasher 1. In other words, the active substance 31 accommodated in the second chamber 30 is completely emptied during a wash cycle of the household dishwasher 1. The emptying or rinsing-out of the second chamber 30 can take place at the start, the end or continuously during the wash cycle. Furthermore, the second chamber 30 can be emptied at a specific time in the wash cycle.

The cleaner cartridge 15 has a housing 32. The housing 32 is preferably a plastic component. In particular, the housing 32 may be a plastic injection molded component. The housing 32 has a lower side or a base 33, a top side or a ceiling 34 and two side walls 35, 36 which are arranged so as to face one another. Furthermore, the housing 32 comprises a front wall and a rear wall, which are not shown in FIG. 3, however. The cleaner cartridge 15 is inserted base 33 first into the receptacle 16 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The chambers 18 to 23 and 30 are separated from one another in a fluid-tight manner with the aid of separating walls 37 to 42.

The chambers 18 to 23 and 30 can each have the same volume or different volumes. Furthermore, two chambers 18, 19 can have the same volume and two other chambers 20, 21 can have a volume which differs from the chambers 18, 19. Different or identical amounts of active substances 24 to 29 can be accommodated in the first chambers 18 to 23. In particular, chemically different active substances 24 to 29 and/or different amounts of active substances 24 to 29 can be accommodated in the different chambers 18 to 23. For instance, an active substance 24 to 29 which is required less often or in a lower dose can be accommodated in a smaller chamber 18 to 23. The chambers 18 to 23 and 30 are preferably arranged side by side. The chambers 18 to 23 and 30 can also be arranged one above the other or one behind the other.

When the cleaner cartridge 15 is inserted into the receptacle 16, the base 33 of the same is arranged so that the ceiling 34 lies at the top in the direction of gravitational force g. Each chamber 18 to 23 and 30 has a ventilation hole or a ventilation opening on the top side. Furthermore, ventilation channels for ventilating the chambers 18 to 23 and 30 can also be provided on the ceiling 34. Each chamber 18 to 23 and 30 has an opening section on the base 33. Each opening section can be pierced with a pin provided in the receptacle 16. These pins are preferably embodied as hollow-punch piercings. The respective active substance 24 to 29 and 31 can be removed from the chambers 18 to 23 and 30 with the aid of the pins. Each opening section of the chambers 18 to 23 and 30 may have a rubber-elastic membrane, which is configured to rest in a fluid-tight manner against the pin piercing through the respective membrane.

The removed active substances 24 to 29 and 31 can be fed to a dosing device. The dosing device has pumps and/or valves for instance for dosing the active substances 24 to 29 and 31, for instance. Alternatively, the active substance 31 of the second chamber 30 can be removed from the cleaner cartridge 15 without the dosing device. For instance, the chamber 30 can be completely emptied when a new cleaner cartridge 15 is placed into the receptacle 16 during a first wash cycle. The removal of the active substances 24 to 29 and 31 from the cleaner cartridge 15 is indicated in FIG. 3 with the aid of arrows 43 to 49.

The active substance 31 is preferably a machine cleaner and/or a cleaner for cleaning the items to be washed. The active substance 31 can be removed completely from the second chamber 30, as explained above, when a cleaner cartridge 15 is newly inserted into the receptacle 16 during the first wash cycle. Alternatively the second chamber 30 can be completely emptied during the last wash cycle of the cleaner cartridge 15. Alternatively, an Options button 50 (FIG. 3) can be provided on a control panel of the household dishwasher 1, which is activated as required in order to dispense the active substance 31 into the dishwasher cavity 3. The active substance 31 eliminates deposits for instance, particularly of residues containing grease and/or limescale deposits, both in the dishwasher cavity 3 and also in the areas of the household dishwasher 1 which convey wash liquor and are not visible. Furthermore, discolorations of stainless steel surfaces and limescale deposits which may be caused due to poor water softening can be removed with the aid of the active substance 31.

Furthermore, the household dishwasher 1 and in particular the detergent dosing system 14 can have a sensor device. The sensor device is configured for instance to record when the household dishwasher 1 needs to be cleaned with the aid of the active substance 31. The active substance 31 accommodated in the second chamber 30 can be released automatically as a function of a sensor signal of the sensor device.

Although the invention was currently described on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not restricted thereto, but can instead be modified in a variety of ways.

REFERENCE CHARACTERS USED

-   1 Household dishwasher -   2 Housing -   3 Dishwasher cavity -   4 Door -   5 Washing chamber -   6 Pivot axis -   7 Base -   8 Ceiling -   9 Rear wall -   10 Side wall -   11 Side wall -   12 Receptacle for items to be washed -   13 Receptacle for items to be washed -   14 Detergent dosing system -   15 Cleaner cartridge -   16 Receptacle -   17 Front edge -   18 Chamber -   19 Chamber -   20 Chamber -   21 Chamber -   22 Chamber -   23 Chamber -   24 Active substance -   25 Active substance -   26 Active substance -   27 Active substance -   28 Active substance -   29 Active substance -   30 Chamber -   31 Active substance -   32 Housing -   33 Base -   34 Ceiling -   35 Side wall -   36 Side wall -   37 Separating wall -   38 Separating wall -   39 Separating wall -   40 Separating wall -   41 Separating wall -   42 Separating wall -   43 Arrow -   44 Arrow -   45 Arrow -   46 Arrow -   47 Arrow -   48 Arrow -   49 Arrow -   50 Options button -   g Direction of gravitational force 

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A cleaner cartridge for a household dishwasher, comprising: active substances adapted for cleaning items to be washed and/or the household dishwasher; a first chamber accommodating one of the active substances at an amount sufficient for a number of wash cycles; and a second chamber accommodating one of the active substances at an amount sufficient for only one wash cycle.
 12. The cleaner cartridge of claim 11, wherein the one of the active substances in the second chamber is released from the second chamber when the only one wash cycle involves a first wash cycle.
 13. The cleaner cartridge of claim 11, wherein the one of the active substances in the second chamber is released from the second chamber when the only one wash cycle involves a last wash cycle.
 14. The cleaner cartridge of claim 11, further comprising a further said first chamber accommodating one of the active substances at an amount sufficient for a number of wash cycles.
 15. The cleaner cartridge of claim 14, wherein the one of the active substances in one of the first chambers differs chemically from the one of the active substances in the other one of the first chambers.
 16. The cleaner cartridge of claim 14, wherein the two first chambers have different volumes.
 17. A detergent dosing system for a household dishwasher, said detergent dosing system comprising: a cleaner cartridge comprising active substances adapted for cleaning items to be washed and/or the household dishwasher, a first chamber accommodating one of the active substances at an amount sufficient for a number of wash cycles, and a second chamber accommodating one of the active substances at an amount sufficient for only one wash cycle; and a receptacle configured to accommodate the cleaner cartridge.
 18. The detergent dosing system of claim 17, wherein the one of the active substances in the second chamber is released from the second chamber when the only one wash cycle involves a first wash cycle with the cleaner cartridge.
 19. The detergent dosing system of claim 17, wherein the one of the active substances in the second chamber is released from the second chamber when the only one wash cycle involves a last wash cycle with the cleaner cartridge.
 20. The detergent dosing system of claim 17, wherein the cleaner cartridge includes a further said first chamber accommodating one of the active substances at an amount sufficient for a number of wash cycles.
 21. The detergent dosing system of claim 20, wherein the one of the active substances in one of the first chambers differs chemically from the one of the active substances in the other one of the first chambers.
 22. The detergent dosing system of claim 20, wherein the two first chambers have different volumes.
 23. A household dishwasher, comprising: a cleaner cartridge comprising active substances adapted for cleaning items to be washed and/or the household dishwasher, a first chamber accommodating one of the active substances at an amount sufficient for a number of wash cycles, and a second chamber accommodating one of the active substances at an amount sufficient for only one wash cycle; and a detergent dosing system comprising a receptacle configured to accommodate the cleaner cartridge.
 24. The household dishwasher of claim 23, further comprising an Options button for releasing the one of the active substances accommodated in the second chamber.
 25. The household dishwasher of claim 23, further comprising a sensor device adapted to generate a sensor signal, said one of the active substances in the second chamber being automatically released in response to the sensor signal of the sensor device.
 26. The household dishwasher of claim 23, wherein the one of the active substances in the second chamber is released from the second chamber when the only one wash cycle involves a first wash cycle with the cleaner cartridge.
 27. The household dishwasher of claim 23, wherein the one of the active substances in the second chamber is released from the second chamber when the only one wash cycle involves a last wash cycle with the cleaner cartridge.
 28. The household dishwasher of claim 23, wherein the cleaner cartridge includes a further said first chamber accommodating one of the active substances at an amount sufficient for a number of wash cycles.
 29. The household dishwasher of claim 28, wherein the one of the active substances in one of the first chambers differs chemically from the one of the active substances in the other one of the first chambers.
 30. The household dishwasher of claim 28, wherein the two first chambers have different volumes.
 31. A household dishwasher, comprising a cleaner cartridge comprising active substances adapted for cleaning items to be washed and/or the household dishwasher, a first chamber accommodating one of the active substances at an amount sufficient for a number of wash cycles, and a second chamber accommodating one of the active substances at an amount sufficient for only one wash cycle. 